Here’s why Kobe Bryant thinks the Lakers can ‘challenge’ Warriors

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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 6: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center March 6, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Bryant, who jumped to the NBA straight from high school in 1996, played 20 seasons for the Lakers, earning five world championship rings (including a three-peat) along the way. As his career wound down, the Warriors’ dynasty — which stands at three NBA titles and one near miss — revved up.

In Bryant’s final three seasons his Lakers went 3-9 against the Dubs. His scouting report:

“You can’t beat Golden State by playing Golden State style,” he told ExtraTV. “Just not going to happen.”

It probably should be noted that the Rockets almost made it happen in the Western Conference finals in May, only to fall short by the width of Chris Paul‘s hamstring. But anyway.

“I think they’re building the team smartly,” he said. “They’re building around strong physical players. What I mean by that is they don’t have players that are one-dimensional.

“They have players that can handle the ball, shoot the ball, pass the ball, defend the ball. So when you’re building a team with that kind of versatility and physicality, that’s something that can challenge Golden State.”

It probably should be noted that James met the Warriors in the past four NBA Finals, losing three. But anyway.

Gary Peterson is a sports writer for the Bay Area News Group. His prior assignments included 31 years as a sports columnist, serving as a general assignment news reporter, covering courts and writing a metro column before finding his way back to sports.